She swallowed hard, then picked up her wine glass once more, taking a careful sip. She was seething, but this was not the time for accusations or a full-fledged fight. “Just answer me honestly. Have you slept with Melody?”
“Never ask me that again.” He stood up. “I’m going out for some air. Is that all right by you?”
She didn’t answer him knowing that he was furious. But she was too. If he’d gone to bed with her bridesmaid, her friend, she’d never forgive either one of them. She sucked in a breath and released it, trying to appear calm. She took another sip of her drink, and looked again at the gold watch on her wrist. Was it a gift to hide his guilt, or an act of love? And what about the fact that they’d just had great sex? After the way he’d kissed her and loved her deeply, how could she doubt his feelings?
Perhaps she’d misread their body language. Maybe she had been wrong. She had been overly emotional lately. Reluctantly she stood, and taking her wine, went to sit by his mother and father. She gave them an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, but Michael and I had some angry words. I was mad at him this morning for not making the snorkeling trip. But that’s no excuse for ruining this wonderful evening. It’s such a perfect setting, and I really appreciate you doing this for us.”
“That’s all right, dear. It’s pre-wedding nerves. Happens to all of us.” Mary patted her hand. “He’ll apologize, I’m sure he will, and tomorrow you can put it all behind you.”
John made a coughing sound. “I’ll go have a word with him, but his mother is right. Every couple has doubts and with all the worry over the past few weeks, emotions are going to run high. I’m sure no one knew that the two of you were arguing and your secret’s safe with us.” He smiled. “Mary and I still fight like cats and dogs, but we love each other very much.”
“Thank you.” She watched John as he joined Michael on the outside deck. Then she turned away. “I’m so embarrassed,” she said to her prospective mother-in-law. “I know he loves me, like I do him, but I want us to be together all the time and he doesn’t feel the same. He told me this afternoon that I should continue working for a few more years. Says I’d be too much of a distraction while he’s on tour, but I don’t want him out there alone.” She pushed her hair off her shoulder. “There’s going to be millions of young attractive groupies hanging around, like every other sport. I almost wish he hadn’t won the Honda Classic.”
His mother smiled, and shook her head. “No, you don’t. I do understand your worry, hon, but he’s a good man and I’m sure he’ll be a good husband to you.”
She wasn’t as sure, but she nodded. “Pre-wedding nerves. That’s all it is. I wish my mother was here,” she blurted out, surprised when tears filled her eyes.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, dear. Of course you do.” Mary batted back tears too. “Why don’t you go see your father? Looks like he and Anna are enjoying each other’s company.”
“Yes. I will.” She wiped her tears with a tissue, and stood up. “He told me this morning that he hopes to see her again, once the wedding is over.”
“How do you feel about that?” she asked softly. “That could be part of your distress.”
“It doesn’t help,” she agreed. “But I like Anna, and if it makes him happy, then I guess I have to be on board with it.”
Excusing herself, she left Mary and joined her dad and Anna at the far end of the bar. “Hey, Dad, hello Anna. This is an awesome place,” she said, gazing out the window to look for Michael. He leaned against the rail, talking to Jay and his dad.
“I’m glad you like it,” Anna said. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants, for the view and the food.” She smiled at her. “The menu tonight is a choice between lobster or prime rib. There’s a salad or soup starter, plenty of side dishes, and of course Key Lime pie or chocolate mousse. You’re seated with Michael and his parents—where they’re sitting now, next to the window.” Anna glanced at her dad. “If you don’t mind I placed myself next to your father, who is seated next to you.”
“Why should I mind?” Nadine attempted not to think about her mother who really should be sitting there. But her mother was gone. “I haven’t seen my dad smile this much in a long time.”
He kissed her cheek. “Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, what about Cameron?”
“I placed him at the table with the girls. Looks like a good decision.” Anna nodded at the group seated a few stools away. Cameron was clearly enjoying the attention of the three hot-looking girls. They were drinking shooters and laughing as he told them stories.
“Guess so.”
Michael came into the dining room and found her at the bar. He gave her a quick kiss, and slid an arm around her waist. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” he whispered.
Her father gave him an approving look before he and Anna slipped away. He took the bar seat next to her and rolled it to face her. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a jerk. I don’t know why I’ve been so distant, but I intend to make it up to you. Starting now.” He took her hand, lifted it to his fingers and kissed them one by one.
Her heart lightened. She didn’t know exactly what he was apologizing for, but right now she was willing to let it go. The fact was they were to be married tomorrow and he wanted to make up for any wrong doing. It was easy to say yes, she forgave him, knowing she had also crossed the line. Hers might be worse because feelings were involved. But she didn’t want to think about that now, or ever again. Jeremy was her past. Michael, her future.
“I like the sound of that,” she told him, leaning in his direction, giving him a warm kiss. When the kiss ended, she was surprised to feel her turmoil slip away. If there had been a choice, she’d made the right one.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The dinner was fabulous, and the band played great dance music between courses. The guests and wedding party sang along to Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley, familiar with the lyrics and their music. The words they didn’t know, they made up. The trio responded to requests and played a collection of Reggae, Calypso, and old favorites like Hot, Hot, Hot by Arrow, Harry Belafonte’s Day-O and of course Red, Red Wine and one of her favorites, No Woman, No Cry and One Love.
By the time the night was finished, her feet were killing her, she’d had too much red, red wine, and her jaw ached from laughing and singing. Her father drove them home and Michael fell in bed with her.
They passed out cold and woke up early in the morning to the sound of birds singing, and a knock at the door. “Who is it?” Michael called.
“Juanita. I have special breakfast for you! I leave on doorstep. Don’t let birds eat it. Happy wedding day,” she sang, and left them in peace.
Nadine rolled over and moaned. “What time is it?”
He glanced at his watch on the bedside. “Eight o’clock.”
“That’s too early,” she groaned. “Why are they waking us on our wedding day?” Wedding day! Her head lifted and she tossed off the covers. “Holy shit! We’re getting married today!” She pushed his shoulder. “Wake up, Mr. Snooze. We’re getting married.”
“Go to sleep.” He buried his head under the pillow, and she grabbed hers and pounded him with it.
“I’m going to see what they brought us.” She grabbed her robe and put it on, then opened the door. A huge basket with flowers, a chilled bottle of champagne, orange juice and two champagne flutes sat there. Next to it was a covered dish on a wicker tray. She brought both in and plopped it on the kitchen counter. “Oh my.”
“Oh my what?” He peeked out from under the pillow, his face squashed against the mattress.
“Oh my—mimosas with French champagne, plus crab eggs Benedict with fresh fruit on the side. My favorite!”
He put the pillow behind his head and sat up, his hair sticking up everywhere. He stretched and yawned and she drank in the sight of his bare chest and great abs. “Breakfast in bed?” he asked hopefully.
“Anywhere you want.”
“I’ve got to piss
real bad. Let’s eat it at the table. It’ll be easier.”
“Okay, but hurry. I need the bathroom too.”
“Run off, I’ll wait. And open up the champagne.”
“Thank you.” She used the facilities then glanced in the mirror, and winced. Her eyes looked blurry, and her blonde hair looked like a rat’s nest. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, ran a brush through her hair, and rushed out when he pounded on the door.
Fifteen minutes later they were seated with their flutes, drinking mimosas and devouring the mouth-watering breakfast, the fresh chunks of crab oozing in delicious hollandaise sauce. She swiped some of the sauce off his chin and licked her finger.
“Best wedding day ever.”
He grinned at her. “And it’s only getting started.”
When every bite was done, they almost licked the plate, it was that good. Taylor really was a sensational cook, and Paradise went the extra mile to make sure everything was done right.
She felt like a contented cat when she pushed the dish away. “So what do you have planned for the day?” she asked innocently.
“Not much. I might find a golf course and practice some swings. Nothing better to do.”
She tossed a grape at him. “Nothing at all?”
“Oh, you mean you? I’m kinda full but if you want a piece of me, I can manage.” He stood up and took her hand. “Want some hot sex this morning before my round of golf?”
“Golf? You sure you don’t have anything better to do than that?”
He scooped her into his arms, and with a big grin tossed her on the bed. Then he jumped on top of her. “You mean like getting married?”
“Yeah. Something like that.” She kissed his mouth, then nibbled on the bottom lip.
“Well…I guess I could take the afternoon off for something like that.”
Her hands reached around his back and she pinched his ass.
“Ouch,” he said, and nipped her shoulder, grinding his pelvis into her. “Open wide. I want to take you one more time as a single woman.”
She laughed and punched him lightly on his back. “No. You shouldn’t even be here. It’s not allowed in the wedding book. I’m not supposed to see you until the ceremony. Not sure why, but it’s an unwritten law or something.”
“Why? What happens? Ten years of bad luck?”
“I sure hope not.” She closed her eyes. “Go. Pretend you never saw me.”
He kissed her, long and hard, then got off of her. She kept her eyes closed until she heard the slam of the door and he was gone, then shivered in spite of the heat. A common myth regarding this wedding tradition meant their marriage might be riddled with bad luck. Between her and Jeremy, and he and Melody, it sure wasn’t an auspicious start.
* * *
Her father and Anna took her and the bridesmaids to Lorelei’s for lunch and they sat outdoors under big umbrellas facing the bay. The place was busy but the atmosphere relaxed. Just what she needed. The wedding was scheduled for six o’clock and two hours at most was plenty for her hair and dress.
The girls were in a playful mood. They’d put a ridiculous tiara on Nadine’s head with a veil, and a pink slash to go over her t-shirt and shorts that said Bridezilla on it. And they made her wear it throughout their entire lunch. A lot of well wishers came by to snap pictures and wish her happiness, but she was uncomfortable with the pomp and show. And nervous about the upcoming nuptials.
“You’re quiet,” her father said, crossing his legs at the ankle. Jordan ordered another round of chilled tequila shots. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, Dad. I had an amazing time last night. I’m just a little anxious, that’s all.” She righted her tiara as it kept slipping down her forehead. “I guess all brides are nervous on their wedding day, hoping nothing goes wrong.” She asked Anna, “Were your daughters nervous?”
“I’m sure they were, but no more than me. I’m always a wreck around weddings. I cry, and gush, and get silly and emotional. I think a girl’s wedding day is the most special, precious day of her life. Nothing will ever equal it, and expectations are so high, that it may seem like a disappointment when it’s all over. So much planning and preparations and then in a blink of an eye it’s done.” She sighed, and rubbed her hands together. “But for the right man, it’s all worth it,” she said with a tinkling laugh.
Nadine smiled and squeezed Anna’s hand. “Thank you. You’re very sweet.”
Her dad gave her a long look. “You haven’t eaten much, and you’ve barely touched your wine. Want me to take you back to the cabin?”
“Yes. I want to take a long bath and relax.” She swallowed the last of her wine. “Thanks, Dad. For everything.”
Ashley and Jordan looked up from their smart phones, where they’d been showing Melody pictures of the reef. “You ready to leave so soon?” Jordan asked.
“I am, but that doesn’t mean you all can’t stay.” Nadine pointed across the highway. “The cottages are right across the street.”
“Sure you don’t want company?” Ashley started to rise from her chair.
“No, stay, please.”
“I’ll go back to our cabin,” Melody said. “I’ve got a bit of a headache.” Ashley and Jordon decided to have another drink.
Melody was quiet, but Nadine didn’t question why, assuming that the bridesmaid felt bad for being the subject of her and Michael’s fight. Nadine knew their friendship would never recover, whether guilty or not guilty.
They dropped her off at the cottage, and then Nadine was alone. It was odd to be alone on her wedding day, but she was glad to have time to collect her thoughts, a lot had to do with her mother. It was sad, and yet a happy day, and her emotions bounced all over the place from one to another. She longed for peace, but the man who settled her emotions was not hers to hold.
* * *
Rows of tiki torches enclosed the seating area for the guests and a flowered path led the way to the makeshift altar. Nadine, her father, and her bridesmaids stood near the pool waiting for the piped in music to begin their small procession to the altar. It was happening. In a matter of minutes Nadine would become Mrs. Williams, wife to Michael—for better or for worse.
Her white silk dress was ankle length and off-the-shoulder, a simple but elegant dress perfect for an outdoor wedding. The girls had done her hair in a side-swept up-do with flowers peeking from the locks. The style framed her face and left her shoulders and neck bare. She was tanned, her cheeks pink, eyes glittered with gold frost.
She looked every inch the radiant bride, and her father in his white tux jacket and dark pants looked handsome and stylish. Melody and Jordon wore matching rose dresses that fluttered to their knees. They were also off-the-shoulder, pretty, feminine, and did not scream “bridesmaid”. She wouldn’t have done that to them. Ashley wore a rose dress too but hers was calf-length with cap sleeves and a deep v-neck.
Her friends looked every bit as beautiful as she did, and Nadine wouldn’t have it any other way. They were here to see her joined in matrimony—the best friends any girl could hope for.
The music began. She’d selected Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” rather than the traditional wedding march, and behind the altar a video screen was set up. As she walked toward the altar, she hoped Michael and the guests would be pleasantly surprised and as moved by this popular hit song as she was—the lyrics touched her heart.
An excited cry rang out when the vocals were heard. Then the bridesmaids made their appearance, quickly followed by Ashley, and last Nadine and her dad walked to the music, tears in both their eyes as Sam Smith poured his soul into his love song.
The video and music came to an end as she stepped up beside Michael. Dressed in a tan linen suit, his wavy brown hair framed his bronzed and handsome face. Sometimes she couldn’t understand why he’d want to marry her—especially now that he was a hot commodity. But love was love, and who could deny what the heart wanted?
He gave her a wink and a slow smile as he took her hand. “N
o ‘here comes the bride’?” he whispered.
“Figured this was better.” The music had opened up a gap in her heart, making her vulnerable, yearning. Would Michael stay with her? Would he commit completely? Would their love be enough?
“By the look on people’s faces, I’d say it was a hit.”
Relieved, she let herself relax. And let the excitement begin. This was no time to doubt herself, or him. She, Nadine Thomas, was getting married. She’d be the envy of every female fan in the country. Not that she gave a damn. But she had the ring, the watch, and the man. And she’d make him happy, yes she would!
She smiled at her bridesmaids, even Melody, and Ashley gave her a big, encouraging grin. As young girls the two of them had talked at length what this day would be like. But this exceeded all her childhood fantasies.
The lady justice of the peace, Wilma Clemmons, retracted the screen, allowing the beauty of the beach and the sound of the waves breaking on the shore to silence the guests before she began her ceremony.
She raised her hands. “We’re gathered here today to celebrate the love of Michael Williams and Nadine Thomas—to be witness to the commitment they share with one another. I believe the couple have written their vows and would like to speak. Michael, you may go first.”
Michael looked into Nadine’s eyes and held her hand.
“Nadine, I give you my heart, my love and my promise that I will walk with you, hand in hand, wherever our journey leads us.” He grinned, adding, “To the golf course and back, and everywhere in between.” His voice grew husky. “I will respect and honor you, and try to be the man you want me to be. I take you, Nadine, to be my partner in life.”
He slipped a wedding band on her finger, a perfect match to the diamond she wore. She looked at it, and felt her mouth go dry. Her heart hammered pitifully in her chest, as tears filled her eyes.
Right Man/ Wrong Groom: Paradise Cove Series - Destination Wedding Book 1 Page 11